Al Sadd, who have been assured of the runners-up position in this season’s QNB Stars League, are preparing in earnest for Monday’s home match in the fifth round of AFC Champions League against the UAE’s Al Wasl. The kick-off is at 19:00 Doha time.

Portuguese coach Jesualdo Ferreira is intensely readying the players as they seek a knockout berth from Group C.

Al Sadd are leading the group with nine points, followed by Iran’s Persepolis (nine), Uzbekistan’s Nasaf (six) and Al Wasl, who have yet to open their account.

Iranian defender Morteza Mohammed is expected to play having recovered from an injury, while The Wolves are likely to miss the injured duo of Jugurtha Hamroun and Ali Faridoun.

Meanwhile, Japanese referee Ryuji Sato has been assigned for the game. He will be assisted by Hiroshi Yamauchi and Toru Sagara, also from Japan.

Baraa Abu Aisha of Palestine will be the fourth official and Talal Ali of Jordan the match commissioner. Subhuddin bin Salih of Malaysia will be the referees’ observer.